Searching for a cure for autism? While there’s no cure, there are various interventions that diminish the symptoms of the developmental disorder. Autism treatment for children, in particular, can help profoundly manage symptoms.
Since both communication and social challenges are part of the autism diagnosis, speech-language and behavioral therapy typically comprise the basis of an autism treatment program. The challenge for most specialists—and a frustration for most parents or guardians—is that no single, streamlined autism treatment program works for all children.
If your child with autism is struggling to communicate using their words and you’re searching for verbal behavior therapy programs in Florida or Massachusetts, contact Journey ABA. Call 844.222.4513 or reach out to our team online to learn more.
What Is Verbal Behavior Therapy?
A verbal behavior therapy program is based on the principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA), like most other common autism treatment plans. Programs like this teach participants communication and language skills.
The verbal behavior approach encourages clients to learn language by connecting words with their purposes. During therapy sessions, the client learns that words can help them get desired results or objects. However, verbal behavior therapy doesn’t only focus on words as labels. Rather, it teaches clients why certain words are used at certain times and how words are useful when making requests or communicating ideas.
Language in this approach is classified into types, called operants. Each operant has a different function. Verbal behavior therapy focuses on four operants:
- Mand: A request
- Tact: A comment used to share an experience or draw attention
- Intraverbal: A word used to respond or answer a question
- Echoic: A repeated or echoed word, which is important in learning
Verbal behavior therapy and classic ABA use similar techniques to work with children. The latter’s methods may be combined with an ABA program to better work towards the communication goals of a client.
How Does Verbal Behavior Therapy for Children With Autism Work?
This type of ABA therapy teaches non-vocal clients how to communicate purposefully. It is sometimes essential for children with autism spectrum disorder to undergo this type of therapeutic care because they need professional help when they start to learn how to use words functionally or to get a desired response.
In a typical verbal behavior therapy session, the therapist will present stimuli, such as an activity, food, or toys, based on a client’s preferences. The therapist then uses stimuli that will attract a client’s interest. Clients are encouraged through repetition to understand that communication produces positive results. Put simply, they get what they want because they use language to ask for it.
What Else Should Be Included in Autism Treatment for Children?
Parents and guardians are often confused over which behavioral therapy approach to take. This may be because many recommended types of therapeutic care are based on ABA, such as early intensive behavioral intervention (EIBI), discrete trial training (DTT), or verbal behavior therapy for children with autism. However, as ABA programs for autism treatment are highly flexible and customizable, what’s really needed is an excellent relationship with a child’s guardians and doctors so that the best possible treatment plan can be developed with everyone’s input.
It can be a challenge to determine which type of behavioral therapy matches your child’s needs. There’s no way to know exactly what will work for any client, apart from making a logical plan and being flexible in monitoring progress. Specialists can make adjustments when needed. After all, current research doesn’t say how much or what type of intervention is best, only that continual behavioral therapy is beneficial.
The good thing about behavioral interventions is that they are always safe and often effective. However, they can be costly and labor-intensive. But when deciding where to put time and energy to improve the future of a child with autism, inside or outside of school, behavioral therapy remains the best choice. ABA treatment is most often the ideal way to develop skills in children with autism spectrum disorder.
Ready to Learn More About Journey ABA’s Autism Treatment for Children?
If you’re looking for a verbal behavior therapy program in Florida or Massachusetts, contact Journey ABA. Call 844.222.4513 or reach out to our team online.